New Consuls-General appointed to key Austrade posts
We are pleased to announce the appointment of three new Consuls-General to Austrade posts in Houston, Auckland and Toronto.
Consulates provide a range of services to Australian citizens including consular services, trade and investment assistance and representing Australia's interests in major cities across the world where an Embassy is not present.
The Hon Peter McGauran is Australia's new Consul-General in Houston, Texas, beginning this month; while the Hon Craig Knowles AM will take up the Consul-General position in Auckland. Mr Grayson Perry is Australia's new Consul-General in Toronto.
These three appointees will promote Australia's trade and investment links with important commercial centres.
Peter McGauran has had an extensive career in both the public and private sector. Mr McGauran has most recently worked as a Racing Industry Special Adviser at Tabcorp Holdings Limited and has held a number of senior positions within the private sector, including as CEO of Racing Australia. He has also held a number of senior government positions, including various Ministerial responsibilities.
Craig Knowles was awarded the Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2015, and has recently held positions in the areas of health and aged care, as well as serving as the Independent Chair for Prospect Water Partnership. Mr Knowles was a Member of the New South Wales Parliament, as well as a Member of Liverpool City Council where he served as Mayor. Prior to these roles, he worked in the New South Wales Department of Premier and Cabinet (Office of State Development), the Department of Business and Consumer Affairs, the Macarthur Development Corporation and in the private sector.
Grayson Perry has 20 years' experience in international business and government. Mr Perry was previously Trade Commissioner in Chennai, India, and a Trade Commissioner and Post Manager in New Delhi. He has also worked for Gold Coast City Council's Economic Development and Major Projects Directorate, with responsibility for industry development, export development, international trade and increasing inward investment into the Gold Coast.
The calibre of these appointments reflects the Turnbull Government's commitment to boosting exports and attracting foreign investment that will grow our economy and increase jobs.
It is part of the Government's ambitious trade agenda, including the free trade negotiations underway, as well as the ongoing practical trade and investment work undertaken by Austrade.